Note by Note: A Celebration of the Piano Lesson

For readers who possess the mildest interest in reading about music or how the mysterious process of learning to play a musical instrument is transferred from teacher to student, this well-composed narrative will be a joy to read. Those so inclined will undoubtedly revel in Tunstall's elegant prose based on her 15 years as a private music teacher. She offers graceful discussions of tonal music, how the “pull of pop” music has altered the musical environment and why the “astonishingly hardy phenomenon” of the recital endures in our culture. But for those tempted to dismiss this slim volume because they've never had a music lesson or read a score, this too short memoir offers a rare glimpse into a fascinating world. Tunstall cites her students, “the endlessly interesting and varied young people who have sat on my piano bench for six days a week for many years,” as the inspiration for the story. She weaves together her insights into the role music plays in the development of self, why teaching kids how to practice is a “central preoccupation” for piano teachers and what advanced piano students have discovered about themselves. This is a gem that deserves a wide audience. (Apr.)